A new nursing certificate has been introduced in Bermuda that will allow graduates to seek higher positions with the health care profession.

It is a joint undertaking by the Bermuda College and Bermuda Hospitals Board.

?This new certificate course will create a more definitive career track for the hospital?s all-important auxiliary staff, encompassing academic studies, practical training and commitment to quality patient care,? said Scott Pearman, BHB Director of Human Resources.

?Graduates of the Certificate for Nursing Assistants programme will be eligible for career progression within the hospital to posts that provide higher levels of support to nursing staff.?

The Certificate for Nursing Assistants programme is a two-semester, part-time curriculum providing students with a fundamental understanding of working in a supervised capacity either in a clinical setting or in an approved nursing home.

It covers such topics as medical terminology, professional regulations and legal issues governing health care in Bermuda, modern health care and mental health care practices, workplace ethics and professional conduct, teamwork and decision-making.

Students will also be required to successfully complete a six-week internship. Successful applicants need to have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, and will be required to take a College Placement Test and earn scores of 70 or higher in English and 30 or higher in maths.

Acting President of Bermuda College, Dr. Larita Alford, said: ?The College is pleased to collaborate with BHB to provide access for persons interested in the programme. We anticipate opportunities will be available to provide a seamless movement into other health care-related professions.?

Venetta Symonds, Acting CEO for BHB, commented: ?This initiative is a positive step in encouraging Bermudians to pursue careers in health care. The hospital is pleased to partner with Bermuda College in creating a new local training programme that will enhance the skill sets of persons interested in providing basic nursing care.?

Bermuda Industrial Union general secretary Molly Burgess said the union was in full support of the training initiative.

She added: ?The union has been pressing for the inclusion of training of hospital nursing support staff for several years. It is heartening to see BHB and the Bermuda College provide this additional training.?

Those interested in the certificate should contact Kathy Lewis at BHB on 239-2055 extension 1328 for additional information.